Someone 2 Know: Baby Asher

At age two and age four, Asher and Landon Norvell look like any other young brothers. 

"Asher, wanna come in here?" Landon asks, referring to a playhouse at the Ronald McDonald House.  

Asher likes to do whatever his older brother does... most of the time. 

"Asher's like 'There's no way I'm going in there,'" said their mom, Charlene Norvell. 

This brotherly bond almost never happened. 

"With him (Asher), his first few months were minute by minute," said Charlene. 

Charlene's pregnancy with Asher was normal. But on April 24, 2014, Charlene felt back pains. So, she went and picked Landon up from daycare early. This was at the Sierra Army Depot in Herlong, California. She gave birth to Asher in that parking lot. 

"I pulled down my pants, and within 15 seconds, Asher fell into them." 

Asher weighed 1 pound 14 ounces. He was born at 26 weeks, and was immediately taken to the Children's Hospital at Renown. 

He spent 207 days at Renown, fighting for his life. Meanwhile, Charlene stayed at the Ronald McDonald House. 

"Emotionally you're already going though the trials, then financially, and keep your family life balanced is difficult."

The house provides a room, food, and more importantly-- a home away from home-- during a family's hardest times. 

"It's steps to the Renown Children's Hospital for her so that was a huge relief," said Rachel Gattuso with the Ronald McDonald House in Reno. "We are more than happy that our donors made that possible for the family."

It also gave Landon a sense of normalcy.

"To try and keep my older son's life normal," said Charlene. "They have a playground, a playroom. They have rooms. Privacy. It's inexplicable what they provide."

Asher now has a tracheotomy. He will most likely get it removed in a few years, and will be able to live a normal life, but Charlene's dedication to her boys is what inspires others the most. 

"She walks through life with the biggest smile on her face," said Gattuso. "The boys are her biggest passion in life. She's happy to pay it forward."

The family is giving back by holding the inaugural Asher's Miles for Miracles 5K Fun Run/Walk Sunday at Rancho San Rafael Park. Here is a link for registration. Half the proceeds will go to the Ronald McDonald House and the other half goes to Renown Children's Miracle Network. 

The Ronald McDonald House is also holding their Red Shoe Gala Friday, October 7. Here is a link to that event.